TI C2000 Picolo F28035 Error occurred while executing External Mode MEX-file 'ext_comm'

Hello Guys,

I have been trying to implement my project to Texam Instruments C2000 Picolo F28035 however, I am getting an error as follows:

Error occurred while executing External Mode MEX-file 'ext_comm': Failed to connect to the target. A time-out occurred while waiting for the connection response from the target. Possible reasons for the time-out:

a) The target is not switched on.

b) The target is not connected to your host machine.

c) The application for the model is not running on the target. You might have clicked the Stop button. If the Run button is not dimmed, click it. Otherwise, click the Build button, which downloads and runs your application on the target.

I checked COM port and Target hardware configuration settings they are all set. Also, all the necessary support packages including mingw C/C++ compiler is also installed successfully. I also get same error for the Arduino boards as well. I checked other solutions on the web but I could not get rid of this error. I am attaching some screen shots from my Hardware Settings regarding to F28035. I can build the code succesfully but I can not connect my board. Baudrate is also matched with COM port that F28035 is connected. I can flash the hex files using UNIFLASH which means USB ports are working and it can communicate with the board. Please suggest me a specific solution rather than driver, support packages etc.

Screen shots:

Answer 1

[Pravarthana P]

Hi Husnu Ozenci,

I can understand you are facing “Failed to connect target” error while executing the external mode MEX-file. You can try the following instructions to establish proper execution:

While there are several possible causes. Please ensure the following steps:

• If you are working with docking station, the position of SW1 is the key. As per the control card info sheet: The position should be OFF.
• OFF –SW1 in the “OFF” position allows GPIO-28 to be used as a GPIO. Serial communication is still possible, however an external transceiver is needed such as the FTDI – FT2232D chip.
• This is primarily used for communicating over the USB to serial bridge included in the onboard XDS100 JTAG emulation on many C2000 development boards.
• And, the J9 connector on the docking station should be closed, i.e a jumper must be put in the place.
• The GPIO pins are 28 and 29 for SCI Rx and Tx respectively on the control card.

After these settings, the first thing to test is the SCI operation using a tool like Putty just to ensure the Tx and Rx are intact and then move to external mode.

Also ensure the CCS is not currently running and is closed

For further information on setting up the serial communication please refer the below documentation:

Set Up Serial Communication with Target Hardware - MATLAB & Simulink (mathworks.com)

Hope this information helps you!!